Nigel Whiteley discusses the result of the post-modern condition on design theory vs design practice. Arguably the line altogether has disappeared or blurred. These are not the same thing however: "a blurring is not the same as a collapse, and designers still need skills which are inculcated only from practicing in the studio, as well as skills which drive from theoretical or academic teaching." The reason for this debate on distinction is brought about by the computer: "the main tool of the graphic designer." This is because the research and the work are done in the same small digital space. Whiteley offers "a design education suggesting a broader skill set taken from theoretical practice and practical knowledge." Not all results from a blurred line are negative; intellectualism can no longer be ignored.
Some models discussed were: The formalised designer, the theorised designer, the politicised designer, the consumerised designer, the technologised designer, and the valorised designer. The author concludes that the valorised designer does not have the fundamental limitations that the others have; it instead consists of "critical and articulate, responsible citizen-designers."
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